Valledupar, January 5, 2026. The organization of the Valledupar 2026 Parasuramerican Games today represents much more than a sporting event. Under the leadership of Elmer Jiménez Silva, this process has become a model of modern management, where planning, innovation and social commitment are articulated to generate real transformation in the city.
From this vision, sport has been understood as a powerful tool for change. The management has prioritized comprehensive training processes, the permanent accompaniment to athletes with disabilities, strengthening an inclusive sports culture aligned with principles of equity, innovation and sustainable development.
This leadership model was also manifested in the past, to obtain the venue for the Bolivarian Games in 2022, a milestone that marked the beginning of a new way of managing the official designation of the first major multi-sport event in Valledupar.
As well as for the Bolivarian Games, through the articulated work with sports leaders, public entities and social actors, a clear roadmap was consolidated that allowed strengthening the infrastructure, boosting the local economy and positioning Valledupar as a reliable city for other international events.
Thus, with the leadership of Elmer Jiménez Silva, the transition to the Parasuramerican Games Valledupar 2026 has allowed to deepen this approach, integrating criteria of accessibility, innovation and sustainability, typical of a smart city.
“Throughout this time, we have focused on contributing to the transformation of realities and preparing the city for the future. The Parasuramerican Games are a platform to demonstrate that Valledupar can move forward with planning, innovation and social sense. Each accessible scenario, the training process and every alliance built respond to a vision of an intelligent, inclusive city with opportunities for all. This legacy is not only sporting, it is urban, social and human”, said Elmer Jiménez Silva.
The impact of his management has been widely recognized in Colombia. The Chamber of Commerce of Valledupar awarded Elmer Jimenez Silva the distinctions of Great Citizen and the Citizen Medal of Merit, highlighting a management that has been able to turn the sport into an engine for social development, economic growth and territorial positioning.
At the national level, the Colombian Paralympic Committee awarded the Recognition of Excellence in the Paralympic Sports Organization, during the Night of the Best, highlighting not only the organizational quality, but also the human and innovative approach that has strengthened the Colombian Paralympic system.
In terms of recognition for the multi-sport event, the organization of the Valledupar 2026 Parasuramerican Games received significant institutional backing when the city was recognized as a Colombian Inclusive Tourism Destination 2026, during the First National Congress of Sports Tourism, held in Colombia. This recognition confirms the confidence in a city model that bets on accessibility, smart tourism economy and social transformation through sports.
